A CHANCE meeting with Camilla chief executive Jane McNally, was the start of a beautiful collaboration between the luxurious kaftan brand and Perth jewellery designer Keiko Uno.
Uno who has just released her latest collections “Jewel of the Sea” and “Octopus”, said she had long-admired the brand worn by Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce and was excited to work with its Claremont store.
“Camilla Franks and I are both artists with our own very distinctive and instantly recognisable aesthetic,” she said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“Our lives have been touched by the beauty of coastal Australia and as businesswomen we both focus on designing and creating exclusive, stunning and elegant pieces made with love for discerning clients.
“Last year, Jane (McNally), attended the Woman of Substance luncheon and we both expressed admiration for each other’s creations and thought it was a natural fit between the brands and from there things just evolved organically.
“Camilla’s Claremont Quarter boutique now houses a great edit of colourful and bold Keiko Uno Jewellery pieces.
“Keiko Uno Jewellery and Camilla’s luxe offerings cater to a very similar demographic, so many of my clients wear Camilla, so we’ve now made it more convenient for our clients to purchase vibrant and bold Keiko Uno Jewellery pieces to compliment their exquisite Camilla prints.”
Drawing inspiration for her latest collections from influential women including Layne Beachley, Steph Gilmore, Ros Worthington and Dr Anh Nyugen, she described them as exciting and exquisite.
“I feel very blessed to meet and have so many inspirational women wear my jewellery and while these women are from very different fields, each continuously strives to achieve more, and they all possess the same core traits of allure, sophistication and confidence,” she said.
“It’s these qualities that have inspired my latest works.
“The collections feature hand crafted rings, earrings, pendants and cuffs adorned with luminous pearls and vibrant gemstones, and hand finished with 18karat gold accents.”
Looking forward to a big year Uno said she would indulge in the design process during the cooler months and hopefully establish a partnership in the tourism market.
“While my mind is already buzzing with a million ideas for my next collection, I won’t know until I’m immersed in my creative mindset what direction I’ll actually explore and take from concept to creation,” she said.
“I feel so blessed to be where I’m at, so I’d like to continue on my path of designing luxury ocean motif jewellery, meeting inspirational people, exploring new places, and giving back to my community.
“This year, I’d also like to establish partnerships within Australia’s luxury tourism market.
“Australia is the envy of the world for our quintessential laidback yet luxe ocean vibe and my ocean inspired jewellery captures this essence, so I’d like to explore this potential.”
Uno is also stocked at Aspects of Kings Park, Yallingup Galleries, and Karma Rottnest, Elle Boutique, the Maritime Museum of WA, and the Mundaring Arts Centre.